Studio Firing Policies & Drop-Off Guide

Firing ceramics is a precise and time-intensive process requiring careful attention to detail.
At RTC, we primarily fire 1265°C + 20 min soak to ensure durable, high-quality results.

To protect your work and our kiln, please carefully read and adhere to the guidelines outlined below before submitting your pieces for firing.

Studio Firing Service

  • A collection of unglazed ceramic bowls and vases on a wooden shelf, ready for the firing process at RTC.

    Step 1: Preparing Your Pieces

    Before bringing in your work, please ensure:

    • Bisque: Must be fully bone dry and clearly marked with your name or maker’s mark.

    • Glaze: Must be wiped clean underneath with no drips or oversaturation.

    • All work must meet RTC’s firing standards (see full policy below).

  • Shelves filled with neatly stacked bisqueware and pottery pieces, awaiting firing in the RTC studio.

    Step 2: Dropping Off Your Work

    When delivering your ceramics:

    • Book a Firing Consultation appointment (required for all drop-offs)

    • Firing fee: $12/kg for bisque and glaze.

    • Complete the Studio Firing Drop-Off Form before your appointment.

    • If you haven’t weighed or paid yet, we’ll assist during your consultation.

    • All work must be clearly labeled — unlabelled items will not be fired.

    • Bring your own box or container for safe transport.

  • A pair of gloved hands removing a freshly glazed yellow ceramic plate from a pottery kiln.

    Step 3: Picking Up Your Work

    Once your pieces are fired and ready, Richard or a studio technician will notify you via your provided contact details.

    • Before collection: Please arrange a suitable pick-up time.

    • Storage Policy: Finished pieces must be collected within 3 weeks of notification. Unclaimed work may be discarded after this period.

Drop-Off Hours

All drop-offs are now by appointment through a Firing Consultation. This gives us a chance to check everything together, answer any questions, and help place your work into the queue.

Drop-off time:

Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

If this time doesn’t work, please email
admin@richardtomainoceramics.com to arrange another time.

Studio Firing Terms & Conditions

Before dropping off your pieces, please take a moment to review our firing policies. These guidelines help us ensure a safe, efficient, and fair firing process for everyone using the studio.

Liability & Responsibility

  • RTC is not responsible for loss, damage, or unexpected outcomes of submitted pieces.

  • The studio reserves the right to refuse firing any item deemed unsuitable or likely to cause kiln damage.

Firing Eligibility & Requirements

  • Our standard firing is stoneware at 1265°C +20 min soak (achieving a 1280°C Cone 10 oxidation).

  • Studio glazes are available for purchase upon request.

  • All glazed pieces must be placed on a protective biscuit tile.

  • Outside glazes (1265°C + 20 min soak-compatible) are permitted, but:

    • Makers must provide their own protective biscuit tile ("cookie").

    • Please inform us in advance if you plan to use outside glazes. We need to confirm the firing criteria before accepting your work.

    • Any glaze mishaps (e.g., drips or kiln shelf damage) are the maker’s responsibility.

  • No wet or damp work – all items must be fully dried before submission.

  • All pieces must have a clear maker’s mark. Unmarked work will not be accepted or fired.

We do NOT fire: 

  • Feeney's Buff Raku Trachyte (BRT).

  • Wild clay (unless tested and approved for stoneware firing).

  • Clay bodies with heavy iron inclusions.

  • Excessively thick pieces or items containing trapped air.

Damage & Associated Fees

To avoid additional charges, please clean up any glaze drips, spills, or oversaturation (especially underneath) before submission.

  • Minor kiln shelf damage (glaze drips, rough clay use): $50/shelf maintenance fee.

  • Major kiln shelf damage (requiring replacement): $250 per shelf.

  • Kiln interior damage: Fees assessed by RTC and an external kiln technician based on severity.

Firing Turnaround & Priority

  • Standard turnaround time: Approximately 10 business days, subject to studio scheduling.

  • Student class work takes priority in the firing schedule.

  • Richard or our studio technician will notify you once pieces are ready. Please organise a pickup appointment prior to your visit.

  • Storage Policy: Completed pieces must be collected within 3 weeks. Unclaimed work will be recycled or discarded.

By submitting the Studio Firing Drop-Off Form (linked below), you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined above.